The amount of space provided to animals during transport significantly affects their welfare, with current regulations often permitting densities that cause injury and distress.
Animals transported at high density cannot express natural social behavior, easily access food and water, or maintain their balance in moving vehicles. Stress from crowding, noise, and motion causes measurable increases in stress hormones. Animals that fall or are trampled suffer serious injuries. Current minimum standards were set based on practicality and cost rather than evidence of welfare outcomes. Reducing transport density, providing appropriate resting materials, and limiting journey times would meaningfully improve animal welfare.